Garden State

Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) shuffled through life in a lithium-induced coma until his mother's death inspired a vacation from the pills to see what might happen. A moderately successful TV actor living in Los Angeles, "Large" hasn't been home to the "Garden State" in nine years. But even with 3,000 miles between them, he's been unable to escape his domineering father Gideon (Sir Ian Holm) and the silencing effect he's had on his son from afar.


Stunned to find himself in his hometown after such a long absence, Large finds old acquaintances around every corner living quite unique lives as gravediggers (Peter Sarsgaard), fast food knights and the panderers of pyramid schemes. Meanwhile, at home, he does his best to avoid a long-simmering but inevitable confrontation with his father.


By a twist of fate, Large meets Sam (Natalie Portman), a girl who is everything he isn't. A blast of color, hope and quirks, Sam becomes a sidekick who refuses to ride in his sidecar. Her warmth and fearlessness give Large the courage to open his heart to the joy and pain of the infinite abyss that is life.


GARDEN STATE was directed and written by Zach Braff (of television's "Scrubs"), who also stars alongside Golden Globe®-nominated Natalie Portman (STAR WARS: EPISODE I, COLD MOUNTAIN), Golden Globe nominee Peter Sarsgaard (SHATTERED GLASS, BOYS DON'T CRY), Oscar®-nominated Ian Holm (CHARIOTS OF FIRE, LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING), Emmy Award®-winning Jean Smart (BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, SWEET HOME ALABAMA), Method Man (SOUL PLANE, HOW HIGH), and Golden Globe nominee Ron Leibman (AUTO FOCUS, PERSONAL VELOCITY).

"It's a hilarious and heartfelt ode to twentysomething angst." -- Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE

"Illuminates a young man's overdue coming of age with unexpected depth and grace." -- Kevin Thomas, LOS ANGELES TIMES

"It's to Braff's credit as a first-time filmmaker with a suburban- laughing-boy soul that his story is as warm and unforced as it is." -- Lisa Schwarzbaum, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

"Poignantly portrays a detached man who decides to tackle life -- with all its pain, joys and everything in between -- with his eyes open and his head clear."
-- Claudia Puig, USA TODAY

"Braff proves himself a master of modulation, keeping a sure grip as the film's tone shifts like quicksand from humor to pathos and back." -- Megan Lehmann, NEW YORK POST